Activities at Ashlar House Care Home

Over the years, ZooLab has developed a unique approach to animal-assisted therapy, one that can be adapted to any setting. This afternoon Christmas session at Ashlar House was no exception!

We brought plenty of festive magic, with participants enjoying light, engaging stories about each animal’s natural habitat before decorating their own paper Christmas trees with themed ornaments. After completing each tree, everyone moved on to meet the next creature, creating a warm, joyful journey through nature and the season.

A heartfelt thank-you to everyone at Ashlar House for such a wonderful and memorable day! 

Another month of our wonderful sensory and educational experiences with Time VR! The virtual-reality tours are always tailored to meaningful themes. This December, our residents enjoyed a beautiful Winter Wonderland experience. 

These sessions are not only enjoyable but also highly beneficial, especially for our residents living with dementia. The immersive visuals, gentle sounds, and familiar seasonal scenes help stimulate memories, promote relaxation, and encourage engagement in a safe and comforting way.  

Santa arrived with his “limited-edition, fun-size reindeer, Titan the miniature pony!

They trotted room to room having meaningful chats… mostly Santa asking who'd been good and Titan trying to sneak snacks.  

What a wonderful afternoon we enjoyed with the Epping Knitting and Natter volunteers and the residents.

We may have nattered more than we knitted, but the stories shared, memories exchanged, and all the woolly conversations made it a truly special time.

Residents were also treated to a sneak preview of the group’s entry for the St. John’s Church Christmas Tree Festival, taking place on the first weekend of December.

Meanwhile, our third Christmas tree is being beautifully dressed by the residents families.

Thanks to Sharon, our Registered Manager, who has a real gift for bringing festive cheer as we end November week.

A huge thank you to our fantastic volunteers from the Epping community for their time, creativity, and companionship. You truly make a difference.

At the very heart of community engagement, Sharon Osborne, Registered Manager of Ashlar House, shone with pride as she attended the inaugural Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2025. This year held special meaning for Ashlar House, as teams from several divisions came together to attend the event standing in unity, representing the home’s values, and celebrating local achievement.

Ashlar House was also honoured to be one of the event’s sponsors, a role made even more meaningful by the way Sharon’s staff offered their skills, dedication, and support throughout the evening. Their presence and teamwork reflected the spirit of care and collaboration they demonstrate every day.

With grace and sincerity, Sharon took to the stage to present an award, celebrating both the winner and one of the seven remarkable runners-up whose accomplishments reflect the vibrant strength of the Epping community.

The evening grew even more special as Sharon proudly witnessed Rita Green, Committee Member and Ambassador of the Chamber receive the award for Outstanding Contribution to the Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce. It was a moment filled with shared admiration and heartfelt appreciation.

The St John’s Church Epping ministry team held their final service of 2025 at Ashlar House, celebrating with a joyful and festive Christmas gathering. The service was filled with meaningful prayers, much-loved Christmas hymns, and a wonderful sense of community.

We were pleased to welcome new residents alongside our regular attendees, all joining together in heartfelt song and worship. It was a beautiful occasion that reflected the hope and joy of the Christmas season.

We extend our warm thanks to everyone at Ashlar House for their ongoing welcome and partnership. We look forward to returning and continuing our ministry together in 2026.       

Our residents had the most magical morning at St John’s Church, taking in the sparkle of over 60 beautifully decorated Christmas trees! They enjoyed festive crafts, flower displays, and gift stalls — and, of course, treated themselves to delicious sausage rolls and homemade cakes. 

A huge highlight was listening to the wonderful children from Coopersale Hall School fill the church with Christmas cheer through their charming performances. 

The local community stopped by to chat, share stories, and spread warmth. Prayers were written, candles were lit, and hearts were full as we celebrated the true spirit of Christmas together. 

What a joyful start to the festive season!       

All around the centre, staff are buzzing with excitement as we start getting ready for the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas trees are dressed in twinkling lights and colourful ornaments, filling every corner with sparkle and cheer.

The atmosphere is warm, jolly, and full of anticipation. Our Christmas activities are beginning to take shape—festive crafts, joyful songs, and plenty of holiday surprises are on the way. It’s all about Christmas, Christmas, Christmas… and we’re loving every moment!

Let the countdown begin!   

As November’s curtain gently falls, Before the month can slip away, We gather close this afternoon To crown your very special day.

Ninety seven years of grace,
Of laughter, love, and stories told

A life stitched bright with family threads, A heart that never once grows old.

Children, grands too, All circle ‘round with joy and cheer,

For every hug and every smile Has shaped our lives from year to year.

The month may end on the thirtieth, But time with you feels ever new A cherished gift, a steady light,

A blessing we all hold in view.

So here’s to you, dear Nanny Joyce, With love that’s deep and wishes true

May this day shine as beautifully. As all the years we’ve had with you.

Happy 97th Birthday! 

Thursday afternoon was filled with smooth jazz and timeless classics as Alex Southgate played his Hohner with effortless charm. 

His instrumental set created a warm, uplifting atmosphere that invited everyone to unwind. Residents were relaxed and joyful, tapping along to familiar melodies and enjoying the mellow, feel-good energy. It was a beautifully soothing session that left the whole community smiling.  

As we approach the last two sessions of our weekly Health & Fitness Program for 2025, we would like to congratulate and thank everyone who has taken part.

We are incredibly proud of our residents, families, and visitors for their continued commitment and enthusiasm throughout the program. Your participation has created a positive and supportive atmosphere each week, and it has been inspiring to see the progress in our residents’ mobility and overall wellbeing.

Thank you for being part of this meaningful journey. We look forward to finishing the final sessions on a strong and uplifting note.  

Our Ashlar House residents enjoyed a truly heart-warming trip to Ivy Chimneys Primary School for The Twinkly Nativity. They loved watching the little star shine and were absolutely delighted by the children’s beautiful voices filling the assembly hall.

After the performance, residents and teachers shared some lovely conversations, making the visit even more special. Moments like these remind us how magical intergenerational connections can be. 

A big thank you to Ivy Chimneys Primary School for such a joyful afternoon!

A massive thank you to Steve from Steve Drew and Son Independent Family Funeral Directors, who rolled out the red carpet this morning for Nick, his mate, and of course Mac the superstar service dog from the London Fire Brigade.

They delivered what can only be described as a five-star therapy session for our residents and staff. In our small community, word travels fast but apparently not fast enough for some of our residents, who only just realised they’d taught each other’s children at school. (Small world? Tiny!)

Neil kept the room entertained with stories that deserve their own Netflix special:
• About Frankie Warren, the pride of Islington
• That time Chris Eubank borrowed £50 and seemingly entered the Witness Protection Programme to avoid paying it back
• Michael Watson, “a true gentleman,” whom Neil treated just a month before the big fight
• His endless stream of physio referrals (because everyone knows someone with a dodgy knee)
• And how Frank Warren kept him living the high life with front-row boxing seats not a bad perk!

It was a morning filled with laughter, memories, and more plot twists than a soap opera. 

Being a proud committee member and ambassador for the Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce, it was an honour to host our very first Epping Business Awards 2025 at the Epping Town Council.

The bling, the glamour, the buzz in the room, everything came together beautifully as we celebrated our incredible local businesses. Watching the excitement on the faces of the runners-up and winners as their names were announced was truly magical.

What I didn’t expect, however, was to be recognised myself. When my name was called for the Outstanding Contribution Award, I was completely taken by surprise. To be acknowledged in this way, by a community I care so deeply about, meant more to me than I can express.

It was a moment I’ll cherish, proof that passion, dedication, and service to our local business community truly make a difference.

At Barchester Ashlar House, we had the privilege of celebrating a truly special milestone: Gertrude’s 91st birthday. The home was filled with a beautiful energy as residents, staff, and friends gathered to honour a woman whose warmth and spirit brighten every day.

From the moment the music began, the room came alive. Our live entertainment team set the perfect tone, and it wasn’t long before everyone was clapping, swaying, and dancing along. Even those we never expected to dance or sing made a heart-warming reminder of just how much joy we all share with our residents, their families, and our dedicated staff. The laughter, the surprise moments, and the genuine smiles made the afternoon truly unforgettable.

Watching Gertrude celebrate with her Ashlar House family was deeply moving, a beautiful reflection of the connection and community we are so proud of. It was an afternoon filled with music, cheer, and heartfelt memories that will stay with us for a long time.

Happy 91st Birthday, dear Gertrude. You are cherished, loved, and celebrated today and always.